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Woodbine presents a 12-race card on Sunday, November 16, 2025, featuring two stakes races, the Lake Ontario Stakes (Race 10) and Ashbridges Bay Stakes (Race 11), both restricted to Ontario-sired horses. The card includes a mix of maiden races, claiming events, and optional claiming contests with competitive fields throughout. The feature races showcase the best Ontario-bred three-year-olds with purses of $100,000 each, highlighting the province’s breeding program.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions for November 16, 2025 show partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F), creating cold racing conditions typical for late-season Woodbine. The synthetic Tapeta surface will be listed as fast, providing consistent and fair racing conditions despite the cold temperatures. Tapeta performs reliably in cold weather, maintaining its integrity through temperature extremes that would compromise dirt surfaces. Wind conditions are expected to be moderate, which should not significantly impact racing.
The Tapeta surface at Woodbine underwent cultivation at 3.5 inches depth earlier in November, ensuring optimal racing conditions. This all-weather synthetic provides consistency that eliminates the variable conditions common with traditional dirt tracks. Cold weather racing at Woodbine typically produces slower overall times but maintains fair racing surfaces.
Track Bias and Post Position
Woodbine’s Tapeta surface generally plays fair with minimal bias compared to dirt surfaces. Recent statistics indicate inside posts hold slight advantages in sprint distances, particularly at 6.5 furlongs where the rail wins 15% of races, post 2 wins 12%, and post 3 wins 11%. In route races, the synthetic surface tends to be more democratic, with no significant post position bias. Speed bias is less pronounced on Tapeta compared to dirt, allowing for competitive racing from various running styles. The surface rewards tactical speed and position more than pure early pace pressure.
Race 1
Post Time: 1:05 PM
Maiden optional claiming for two-year-olds at seven furlongs on Tapeta, featuring a mix of Ontario-sired maidens and $25,000 claimers. The field of eight includes several lightly-raced juveniles seeking their first career victory.
Pace Analysis
This race appears to set up with moderate early pace, as several horses show tactical early speed without being outright frontrunners. Tommaso from the Carroll barn should establish the early lead with Elgin Park and Bongino Warrior pressing from outside posts. The pace should be honest but not overly contentious, favoring horses with tactical speed who can position well early.
Key Contenders
Tommaso brings the strongest connections with trainer Josie Carroll and jockey Rafael Hernandez, who teamed for a recent winner at Woodbine. This gelding draws the inside post three, which provides an advantage at sprint distances on the Tapeta surface. His morning line odds of 5-2 reflect the confidence from handicappers in his debut performance.
Dave’s Legacy exits the Anthony Pottinger barn with jockey Leo Salles and shows blinkers-on equipment change that often improves focus for first-time starters. The inside post five provides tactical options while avoiding the rail.
Secondary Choices
Semper Liber represents the Krista Cole stable and draws post four with Fraser Aebly aboard. This gelding adds blinkers and the lightened weight allowance makes him competitive in this company.
Encore Mo comes from the William Tharrenos barn, which sends out two in this race, and shows early tactical speed that could prove useful from post six.
Betting Strategy
The race sets up as a single-ticket exacta box with Tommaso on top of Dave’s Legacy and Semper Liber. Consider using Tommaso in rolling doubles and pick-3 sequences as a strong single. A modest win bet on Tommaso combined with exactas boxing the top three provides balanced coverage.
Selections
Win: Tommaso
Place: Dave’s Legacy
Show: Semper Liber
Race 2
Post Time: 1:34 PM
$10,000 claiming race at 1 1/16 miles for non-winners of two races featuring older horses. The nine-horse field includes several veterans seeking consistency.
Pace Analysis
This route race should develop with moderate early pace as several horses exhibit closing tendencies. Professor Reload and Compton will likely contest the early lead, with the pace potentially setting up for late-running closers. The 1 1/16-mile distance on Tapeta favors horses with stamina who can sustain their runs.
Key Contenders
Compton represents the Kevin Whiteley barn with Leo Salles riding and draws post two with tactical speed that works well on the synthetic surface. The morning line of 5-2 reflects strong support from handicappers. His recent form suggests readiness for this level.
American Decision brings class from the Devon Gittens barn with Slade Jones aboard. This four-year-old shows routing ability and could improve off his recent efforts.
Secondary Choices
Starvin from the powerhouse Tino Attard stable with Jalon Samuel riding represents quality at this level. The Attard barn consistently produces winners at Woodbine across all conditions.
Dare to Be King offers value as a seasoned six-year-old with Emma-Jayne Wilson, one of Woodbine’s leading riders, taking the mount.
Longshots
Fourlegsgood at morning line odds of 20-1 could factor if the pace collapses. This gelding shows occasional flashes of ability.
Betting Strategy
Structure multi-race wagers using Compton and American Decision as the foundation. Consider exacta boxes with the top four choices and include Starvin in trifecta coverage underneath the top selections.
Selections
Win: Compton
Place: American Decision
Show: Starvin
Race 3
Post Time: 2:03 PM
Maiden optional claiming for two-year-olds at 1 mile 70 yards, featuring Ontario-sired maidens or $40,000 claiming price juveniles. This route distance tests stamina for the youngsters.
Pace Analysis
The race appears to develop with solid early pace from multiple speed types. Holy Rambo and Twentytwo Soles both show early tactical ability and should establish honest fractions. The extended distance may test those pressing the pace and set up a late finish.
Key Contenders
Twentytwo Soles represents the Kevin Attard stable with Rafael Hernandez aboard, a powerful combination at Woodbine. The morning line favorite at 2-1 draws post six and adds blinkers, suggesting connections expect improvement. Attard’s success rate with juveniles at Woodbine makes this pairing formidable.
Holy Rambo from the Kevin Attard barn adds Flores and shows tactical speed from post four with blinkers on. The dual Attard entries dominate the race shape.
Secondary Choices
Catch the Ace represents Norman McKnight with Austin Adams claiming a significant weight allowance. This colt shows promise despite limited experience.
Not a Care from the Michael De Paulo barn with Leo Salles brings outside closing punch that could prove effective if the pace unfolds as anticipated.
Betting Strategy
Use Twentytwo Soles as a single in multi-race wagers with confidence. Structure exactas with both Attard entries on top and spread underneath with Catch the Ace and Not a Care.
Selections
Win: Twentytwo Soles
Place: Holy Rambo
Show: Catch the Ace
Race 4
Post Time: 2:33 PM
Maiden optional claiming for three-year-olds and up at seven furlongs, featuring Ontario-sired maidens or $25,000 claimers. The ten-horse field presents handicapping challenges.
Pace Analysis
The race shows solid early speed from multiple entrants including Runaway Maxi and Speedy Connection. The pace pressure could benefit late-runners, though the sprint distance limits how far back horses can close effectively.
Key Contenders
You and Me Baby represents William Tharrenos with Emma-Jayne Wilson riding from post five. This gelding shows consistent efforts and the lightened weight combined with Wilson’s tactical skills makes this combination formidable. Morning line odds of 6-1 offer value.
Runaway Maxi brings early speed from post two with Jermaine Bridgmohan aboard. The blinkers-on equipment and inside post create tactical advantages.
Secondary Choices
Gus’s Drumbeet exits the Kerron Palmer barn with Jose Luis Campos and shows tactical speed from post six. This colt could improve significantly in third career start.
Prince Almasty represents Tedston Holder with Slade Jones and brings late-closing punch that could prove effective.
Longshots
Speedy Connection at 15-1 morning line with Fraser Aebly offers value if the early pace collapses. This gelding from Patrick Dixon shows ability.
Betting Strategy
Structure exactas boxing You and Me Baby with Runaway Maxi and Gus’s Drumbeet. Include Prince Almasty in trifecta coverage as the deeper closer. Consider You and Me Baby for value in rolling exotics.
Selections
Win: You and Me Baby
Place: Runaway Maxi
Show: Gus’s Drumbeet
Race 5
Post Time: 3:03 PM
$15,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at six furlongs featuring non-winners of three races. The eight-horse sprint offers competitive betting opportunities.
Pace Analysis
The sprint distance and competitive field suggest honest early pace with Might Bee Trouble and Mystic Song showing early tactical speed. The pace should set up fairly for all running styles.
Key Contenders
Unheard from the Julia Carey barn with Jason Hoyte draws post five and shows consistent efforts at this level. The morning line of 4-1 suggests handicappers respect this filly’s chances.
Mystic Song represents Kevin Attard with Pietro Moran from post four, combining powerful barn and skilled jockey. The Attard stable’s success rate makes this filly dangerous.
Secondary Choices
Princessonamission brings experience from the Krista Cole stable with Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard from post three. This five-year-old mare shows tactical versatility.
Saucy Name from Kerron Palmer with Leo Salles exits the same connections that won earlier in the meet and draws a favorable outside post.
Betting Strategy
Box exactas with the top four selections and key Unheard and Mystic Song over the field in smaller trifecta combinations. Consider using both Attard-trained fillies in multi-race sequences.
Selections
Win: Unheard
Place: Mystic Song
Show: Princessonamission
Race 6
Post Time: 3:34 PM
Optional claiming at 1 1/16 miles for non-winners of three races with $40,000 claiming option. The eight-horse route features competitive older horses.
Pace Analysis
The route distance should produce tactical early pace with Pierre and Phillip My Wine establishing position. The extended distance favors horses with proven stamina and tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Private Label draws post four with Ryan Munger and represents Dale Desruisseaux with consistent route form. The high weight of 124 pounds reflects confidence in this gelding’s ability.
Thornbury from the Tony Gattellaro barn with Keveh Nicholls brings tactical versatility from post three. This four-year-old shows improving form.
Secondary Choices
Countryboysurvive represents the powerful Sid Attard stable with Jalon Samuel from post six. The Attard family barns dominate Woodbine racing and this gelding fits the profile.
Phillip My Wine exits the Mark Casse barn, one of North America’s premier trainers, with Pietro Moran riding from post two. Despite the weight concession, this combination merits respect.
Betting Strategy
Structure exactas boxing the top four with emphasis on Private Label and Thornbury. Include Countryboysurvive in trifecta coverage underneath. Consider Private Label as a rolling single in pick-3 and pick-4 sequences.
Selections
Win: Private Label
Place: Thornbury
Show: Countryboysurvive
Race 7
Post Time: 4:05 PM
Optional claiming for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles featuring non-winners of two races. The nine-horse field offers competitive wagering opportunities.
Pace Analysis
The race shows moderate early pace with Just Magnificent and Serenading Kitten likely pressing. The route distance and competitive field suggest the race will develop tactically.
Key Contenders
Vazhi represents Josie Carroll with Fraser Aebly aboard from post six. The Carroll barn’s success rate combined with Aebly’s tactical skills makes this filly formidable. Her routing form suggests readiness for this assignment.
Starship Serenity exits the Michael De Paulo barn with Emma-Jayne Wilson from post eight. Wilson’s success rate at Woodbine combined with the outside post in routes makes this combination dangerous.
Secondary Choices
Z Train brings European breeding and represents Katerina Vassilieva with Rafael Hernandez from post five. The IRE suffix suggests class and the Hernandez-Attard combination dominates the meet.
Just Magnificent from Evette Chartrand-Hoek with David Moran draws post two and shows early tactical ability.
Betting Strategy
Box exactas with the top four and key Vazhi and Starship Serenity over the field in trifectas. Include Z Train as the value play in deeper exotic coverage. Consider Vazhi in multi-race sequences.
Selections
Win: Vazhi
Place: Starship Serenity
Show: Z Train
Race 8
Post Time: 4:38 PM
Allowance optional claiming for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles with elevated purse of $114,600. The eight-horse field features quality older fillies and mares.
Pace Analysis
The route distance produces tactical pace with several fillies showing stalking tactics. Promising and Princess Anastasia will likely establish early position with the field settling into rhythm.
Key Contenders
Promising represents Josie Carroll with Fraser Aebly aboard from post one. The Carroll-Aebly combination shows consistency throughout the meet and the inside post works well for tactical fillies.
Princess Anastasia from Darwin Banach with Emma-Jayne Wilson draws post two with proven routing ability. Wilson’s 10% win rate makes every mount competitive.
Secondary Choices
Mikelle represents Kevin Attard with Rafael Hernandez from post three, the meet’s dominant trainer-jockey combination. This three-year-old filly faces older but shows improving form.
Nantuckets Day from Patrick Dixon with Da-Sean Gaskin brings late-closing punch from post six.
Betting Strategy
Structure exactas boxing the top four with emphasis on Promising and Princess Anastasia. Key both on top in trifectas with Mikelle and Nantuckets Day underneath. Consider using Promising as a single in pick-3 sequences through the stakes races.
Selections
Win: Promising
Place: Princess Anastasia
Show: Mikelle
Race 9
Post Time: 5:11 PM
Allowance optional claiming at 1 1/16 miles with elevated purse of $117,600. The ten-horse field features competitive older horses in quality conditions.
Pace Analysis
The large field and route distance suggest tactical early pace with several horses showing stalking tendencies. Legal Catch and Runaway Again will likely establish position with the field developing in the backstretch.
Key Contenders
Runaway Again represents Sid Attard with Ryan Munger from post three. The Attard barn’s dominance at Woodbine combined with Munger’s tactical skills makes this three-year-old formidable despite facing older.
English Actor from Rachel Halden with Rafael Hernandez draws post eight with proven class. The outside post in routes provides options and Hernandez continues his dominant meet.
Secondary Choices
Dai Vernon represents Kevin Attard with Pietro Moran from post four, giving the Attard family two dangerous runners. The weight concession suggests recent struggles but the talent remains.
Westside Tide brings early tactical speed from post five with Fraser Aebly and adds blinkers suggesting connections expect improvement.
Longshots
Skyro at morning line odds of 20-1 represents Martin Drexler with Keveh Nicholls from post seven. This seven-year-old shows occasional flashes and could factor at a price.
Betting Strategy
Structure exactas boxing Runaway Again, English Actor, and Dai Vernon. Key the Attard entries on top in trifectas with Westside Tide underneath. Consider Runaway Again in pick-3 sequences through the stakes races.
Selections
Win: Runaway Again
Place: English Actor
Show: Dai Vernon
Race 10
Post Time: 5:44 PM
Lake Ontario Stakes, $100,000 purse for three-year-old colts and geldings sired by Ontario stallions at 1 1/16 miles. The eight-horse stakes features the province’s best juveniles.
Pace Analysis
The stakes distance and competitive field produce tactical pace with several colts showing stalking ability. Dark Screen and Sedburys Ghost will likely establish early fractions with the field positioned throughout.
Key Contenders
Sedburys Ghost represents Barbara Minshall with Ryan Munger from post three, bringing proven stakes experience. The weight advantage of 122 pounds compared to topweight reflects strong recent form. Munger’s tactical skills in stakes company make this combination formidable.
Dewolf exits the Kevin Attard barn with Fraser Aebly from post five. The Attard stable’s success in stakes races combined with the weight concession makes this colt dangerous. The outside-middle post provides tactical options.
Secondary Choices
Ciunas represents legendary trainer Roger Attfield with Rafael Hernandez from post eight. The Attfield name carries weight in stakes races and Hernandez continues his dominant meet.
Stratus from Robert Tiller with Daisuke Fukumoto draws post four with the weight concession and shows improving form.
Betting Strategy
Box exactas with the top four and key Sedburys Ghost and Dewolf over the field in trifectas. Consider exacta and trifecta boxes with all four selections. Use Sedburys Ghost in pick-3 sequences through the final races.
Selections
Win: Sedburys Ghost
Place: Dewolf
Show: Ciunas
Race 11
Post Time: 6:12 PM
Ashbridges Bay Stakes, $100,000 purse for three-year-old fillies sired by Ontario stallions at 1 1/16 miles. The eight-horse stakes completes the Ontario-bred showcase.
Pace Analysis
The stakes distance produces tactical pace with several fillies showing stalking tendencies. Hint and Aussie Hyper will likely establish early position with the field developing in the backstretch.
Key Contenders
Hint represents Gail Cox with Ryan Munger from post two, bringing proven stakes form. Munger’s double stakes mount reflects confidence and the inside-middle post works perfectly for tactical fillies.
Ella It Is exits the powerful Mark Casse barn with Pietro Moran from post four. The Casse stable’s success in stakes races makes every runner dangerous and Moran’s tactical skills complement the filly’s style.
Secondary Choices
Brengungirl represents Kevin Attard with Rafael Hernandez from post seven, the meet’s dominant combination. This filly faces tough stakes company but the Attard-Hernandez duo consistently outperforms expectations.
Regal Moment from Stuart Simon with Fraser Aebly draws the rail with tactical speed. The inside post requires perfect trip execution but provides savings in ground.
Longshots
Aussie Hyper at morning line odds offers value from post three with blinkers on. This filly from Anthony Husbands shows early tactical ability.
Betting Strategy
Box exactas with the top four and key Hint and Ella It Is over the field in trifectas. Include Brengungirl in all exotic coverage given the Attard-Hernandez connection. Consider using both in pick-3 coverage through the finale.
Selections
Win: Hint
Place: Ella It Is
Show: Brengungirl
Race 12
Post Time: 6:40 PM
Starter optional claiming at seven furlongs for horses that started for $7,500 or less. The twelve-horse sprint finale offers competitive betting.
Pace Analysis
The large field and sprint distance produce contentious early pace with multiple speed types. Ask in My Name and El Alacran will likely battle for the lead with the pace potentially setting up for late-runners.
Key Contenders
Ask in My Name represents Dale Desruisseaux with Jalon Samuel from post four, carrying topweight of 125 pounds that reflects recent success. This five-year-old shows consistent sprint form.
Stonks from Robert Tiller with Daisuke Fukumoto draws post eight with tactical speed. The Tiller barn shows consistency at this level.
Secondary Choices
Quiet Intent represents Tino Attard with Pietro Moran from post three. The seven-year-old veteran shows occasional flashes and the Attard barn excels at placing horses properly.
Walter Me Lad from Martin Drexler with Leo Salles brings late-closing punch from post ten. The outside post requires racing luck but provides late options.
Longshots
Master Spy at 20-1 morning line from Amanda Cameron with Ryan Munger offers value from post nine. Munger’s tactical skills make every mount competitive.
Betting Strategy
Structure exactas boxing the top four with emphasis on Ask in My Name and Stonks. Include Quiet Intent and Walter Me Lad in trifecta coverage. Consider superfecta wheels using the top selections over live longshots in the large field.
Selections
Win: Ask in My Name
Place: Stonks
Show: Quiet Intent
Jockey Notes and Insights
Rafael Hernandez continues a dominant meet at Woodbine, recently combining with trainer Kevin Attard for multiple winners. His mounts in Races 3, 8, 9, and 11 deserve extra attention as the Hernandez-Attard partnership produces consistent results. Hernandez excels at rating horses off the pace and timing his moves perfectly on the Tapeta surface.
Emma-Jayne Wilson remains one of Woodbine’s most accomplished riders with tactical brilliance in route races. Her mounts in Races 4, 7, and 8 merit respect as Wilson consistently extracts maximum effort from her horses. She particularly excels with fillies and mares, showing patience in traffic and strong finishing kicks.
Fraser Aebly demonstrates versatility across all distances and surfaces at Woodbine. His multiple mounts throughout the card reflect trainer confidence and his ability to execute race plans. Aebly shows particular strength in stakes company as evidenced by his mount in Race 10.
Ryan Munger brings stakes experience with mounts in Races 10 and 11, both Ontario-bred features. His tactical skills in high-pressure situations make him formidable in the day’s feature races.
Leo Salles continues consistent form with multiple mounts across the card. His ability to rate horses and find racing room makes his mounts competitive.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Kevin Attard dominates the Woodbine trainer standings with multiple entries throughout the card. His stable particularly excels with juveniles and his horses consistently outperform their odds. The Attard barn’s horses in Races 3, 5, 8, and 9 deserve extra attention as this stable shows remarkable consistency across all conditions.
Josie Carroll’s stable shows quality with stakes-caliber horses in Races 1, 7, and 8. The Carroll barn excels at developing young horses and placing them appropriately. Her horses consistently show improvement with each start.
Mark Casse brings North American champion-level training to Woodbine with entries in multiple races. The Casse barn’s horse in Race 11 merits respect despite long odds as this stable consistently performs in stakes company.
Patrick Dixon shows consistency with multiple entries across claiming and maiden ranks. His horses typically show honest efforts and improvement with racing.
Sid Attard continues the family dominance with quality entries throughout the card. The combined Attard family presence makes them formidable across all race conditions.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The early pick-4 (Races 1-4) offers value with Tommaso providing a solid single in Race 1 combined with spreads in the competitive claiming and maiden races that follow. Structure this sequence with 1x3x2x3 for reasonable coverage.
The middle pick-4 (Races 5-8) builds through competitive claiming and optional claiming races before the elevated purse Race 8. Consider using 2x2x2x2 coverage with the top two selections in each race for balanced exposure.
The late pick-4 (Races 9-12) includes both stakes races and provides excellent wagering opportunities. Structure this sequence with 2x3x3x3 using Runaway Again as a single or spreading to Runaway Again and English Actor in Race 9, then covering the stakes races with multiple horses.
Best single-race value plays include You and Me Baby in Race 4 at 6-1 morning line offering genuine upset potential with Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard. Vazhi in Race 7 represents value from the Josie Carroll barn with Fraser Aebly combining tactical skills. Sedburys Ghost in Race 10 offers stakes value with Ryan Munger’s experience.
Daily double opportunities linking the two stakes races (Races 10-11) provide reduced takeout and concentrated value. Box Sedburys Ghost and Dewolf with Hint and Ella It Is for four combinations covering the best horses in both stakes.
Rolling exotic sequences starting from Race 6 through the finale capture the elevated purse races and stakes features. Consider pick-3 coverage from Race 6 through Race 8 using 2x2x2 with the top selections, then extending into pick-4 coverage through Race 9.
The large field in Race 12 offers superfecta opportunities with lower-priced combinations. Structure superfecta wheels using Ask in My Name and Stonks over secondary choices and longshots for potentially lucrative payouts in the competitive finale.
